LaDora Lattimore receives statewide honor for 30 Years of Service

February 21, 2011 – For Immediate Release

Topeka, Kan. – A dedicated advocate working on behalf of victims and survivors of domestic violence has been recognized by a statewide advocacy organization. LaDora Lattimore, executive director of the Friends of Yates, Della Gill/Joyce H. Williams Center in Kansas City, was honored for her 30 Years of Service by the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) during its 8th annual Safe Homes, Safe Streets reception in Topeka on February 9.

“We honor LaDora for her many years of commitment to victims of domestic violence,” said Joyce Grover, executive director of KCSDV. “The Years of Service awards are given in recognition of efforts that often go unrecognized, but are transformative and in many cases are life-saving.”

Among her many accomplishments, LaDora has expanded the services provided by the Friends of Yates organization to better serve the cultural, social and economic needs of the citizens of Kansas City, Kansas. LaDora developed the first and what remains today as the only domestic violence shelter program serving survivors in Wyandotte County. What began as a six bed facility has expanded to 22 beds, with plans to add more beds to meet the ever-growing demand for safe shelter.

Friends of Yates, Inc. is a participant of the collaboration of shelters known as the Metropolitan Family Violence Coalition (MFVC), which represents six domestic violence programs in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Learn more about the services Friends of Yates is providing for victims and survivors in the Kansas City area by visiting friendsofyates.org.

Since 1995 KCSDV has been recognizing outstanding advocates and allies who are working to enhance victim safety, to increase perpetrator accountability, and to prevent and eliminate sexual and domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in Kansas. This year, several advocates and volunteers were honored with Years of Service awards, including: 47 advocates with five years, 14 advocates with 10 years, three advocates with 15 years, one advocate with 20 years, and one with 30 years of service. In addition, awards were presented the Advocate, Ally and Volunteer of the Year awards.